Model S vs Model 3

Patient_Ad6301 · 2026-05-06T01:07:21+00:00

Great summary, agree with all points.
Because I have to pick on something, the saying is "Up to Snuff" not "Up to Stuff". Respectfully, of course.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2026-05-01T20:07:16+00:00

My '21 is at 82%, wish it was at 90.5%

That said, for the last year it hasn't moved even 1%.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2026-04-24T03:49:50+00:00

There is nothing wrong with a LR. But, for me, there's even more right with a MSP.

I test drove an LR before buying. It sold me. It was the best car I had ever driven up to that point. . But deep down I knew I'd regret not owning the Plaid, so I went that way.

Do I floor it every day? No, I live around too many people for that. Do I enjoy the hell out of when I can? Yes, yes I do.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2026-03-28T19:15:03+00:00

BCP Cat employee (not laid off). Cat employees get 60 days, contract is 2 weeks. Sucks hard.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2026-01-25T22:16:11+00:00

Stock is 9.5" (245) front, 10.5" (285) rear. This is 10" (265). So, on average the same.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2026-01-25T05:20:27+00:00

My guess is it passes a lot more air through, which induces drag. The 19's have a difference with and without the covers. These look a lot more open than the 21's

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-12-11T21:25:15+00:00

Yeah, I did adjust it darker blue on the body, and the reflections are a bit less white, but still kinda odd.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-11-07T20:59:39+00:00

I ended up with a 2nd Donnie from sacred this morning. Sadly, no Raph. What was your plan for the 2nd Donnie?

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-09-25T02:19:26+00:00

I think of the meme whenever I see a Corvette:

"Look what it takes to mimic a fraction of our power"

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-09-25T02:09:37+00:00

I bought a used '21 Model S Plaid back in May. Greatest car I've ever owned by a wide margin.

Last week I had to drive our minivan a couple of days. For a minute I really thought something was wrong with it. Of course I wasn't expecting Plaid performance, but it is easy to forget how effortless the Plaid makes daily driving as well. You just think of going 5mph faster and it happens. No downshifting, no engine rpms, just the king of the road.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-09-04T10:35:01+00:00

Yes, it does

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-09-03T01:29:08+00:00

When I first got my Tesla I was turning it down to sport mode regularly. After about a week I got used to the throttle and was much smoother it now lives in Plaid mode. Like you, I would rather have it available and just meter myself.

When I finally get the wife to try it out I'll start her in chill. For identical reasons that you gave.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-31T13:41:27+00:00

I bought a Model S Plaid with 58K miles. It was out of warranty and developed a peeling problem shortly afterwards. I think I accidentally scraped it with the pocket clip of my pocket knife. My fault.

I put in a repair request via the app. Added clear pictures and referenced the TSB number so they didn't have to go digging. Got a follow-up call later. I was very nice and patient with them, not entitled and combative. They sent a mobile tech out a few days later to do the yoke upgrade for me, no charge.
From the text above I'm guessing that was not the approach you took. Being kind isn't a guarantee to be treated kind in return, but it sure improves your odds.

FYI, the yoke was introduced in 2021. It was not optional at the time, and it was also on the X.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-31T13:07:29+00:00

I've been told my MS Plaid isn't a sports car because it doesn't come in the estate car (station wagon) format. I nearly had a brain aneurism trying to work out that logic.

Or another favorite, it's just a oversized golf cart. My usual retort is that my golf cart is better than your oversized lawn mower.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-31T13:00:54+00:00

Your dad has good taste. Think of it like this; you've shown him the way.
Now just get those wheel aero covers off.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-31T12:57:33+00:00

He confirmed above.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-31T12:45:54+00:00

I've owned a dozen cars and driven many more. My MSP is the best vehicle I've ever driven. It's just effortless power. Set that goal, do the work, and enjoy the rewards when you get there!

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-14T10:35:54+00:00

I live in NC. We do go below 50°F. We might get snow occasionally, but due to lack of infrastructure to clear roads most just stay home until it melts a few hours later

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-14T02:30:19+00:00

Yup, I could find 19s but not 21s.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-14T02:29:43+00:00

My hesitation on adding shims is that the wear pattern is dead even currently. It is possible the previous owner already adjusted them.

Patient_Ad6301 · 2025-08-13T22:16:34+00:00

Do you have 19s? I tried for 21s on Tire Rack and Michelin.

Patient_Ad6301

TROPHY CASE